This course includes the text Foundations of Physical Activity and
Public Health . It addresses six core competencies: partnerships,
data and scientific information, planning and evaluating, intervention,
organizational structure, and exercise science in public health settings.

Developed in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Physical Activity Society (NPAS), the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist Certification Exam Preparation online course will help you prepare for the Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS) certification exam. It’s also a perfect resource for public health practitioners and other health professionals looking to better understand the role of physical activity in public health.

The course addresses the six core competencies identified by ACSM and NPAS: partnerships, data and scientific information, planning and evaluating, intervention, organizational structure, and exercise science in public health settings. You will learn to do the following:

Examine the components of exercise physiology and science and explain how promoting health and disease prevention, performing assessments, and making recommendations are important for public health.

Apply public health data and scientific information to community-based interventions while making intervention recommendations and highlighting disparities in public health.

Demonstrate how frameworks and models are used in planning and evaluating physical activity interventions.

Recommend interventions and coordinate local organizations in creating opportunities for physical activity.

Engage and collaborate with external partners to promote physical activity and disseminate information about interventions through various media channels.

Identify components of grant writing and organizational structures.

Rather than providing just an overview of important concepts, this course helps you develop your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Detailed case studies encourage you to think critically and apply the knowledge taught in the course to situations you will encounter in your professional life. Real-world scenarios give you the opportunity to practice skills such as developing partnerships, implementing a needs assessment, working with the media, writing grants, and communicating with project partners and the public. Application questions, unit review questions, and an exam at the end of the course will allow you to test your understanding of the course material.

The course is supplemented by the text Foundations of Physical Activity and Public Health by Harold W. Kohl III and Tinker D. Murray. This text presents all of the background information you need in order to pass the exam and also serves as a valuable professional reference after you have completed the course.

Course for those preparing for the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public
Health Specialist (PAPHS) exam; continuing education resource for health
promotion specialists, public health practitioners, fitness
professionals, and others interested in health promotion, especially at
the population level.